Prep Baseball Report

Become a Member

More +

Labor Day Challenge Team Preview: Top Tier

August 27, 2014

By Ryan Quigley
Illinois Scouting Director

The Prep Baseball Report Labor Day Challenge is scheduled for Saturday August 30 through Sunday August 31 at the brand new Curtis Granderson Stadium at University of Illinois-Chicago and the all turf Cougar Stadium at Chicago State. 

Last year the St. Louis Gamers took the crown going 4-0 led by tournament MVP and Notre Dame recruit, Matthew Vielring.

CLICK HERE for 2013 Labor Day Challenge Recap.

This year the field is set with five of the top travel programs in the Midwest – GRB Rays, Indiana Outlaws, Rawlings Hitters, Southern Illinois and Top Tier. All five teams will feature some of the top 2016 prospects in the area.

The Top Tier roster is highlighted by the No. 2 and No. 4 prospects in Illinois with C Cooper Johnson (Carmel) and 3B Cal Coughlin (Lake Forest). Not only are both prospects top five in the state but are also top 15 prospects in our coverage area.  Johnson recently committed to Ole Miss after the PBR Future Games in late July/early August.

Along with Johnson and Coughlin, SS Matt Burch (Warren) is ranked No. 14 in Illinois and brings a strong arm and left handed bat to the left side of the infield. Bobby Seymour (Mt. Carmel) is the top 2017 prospect on the roster, and impressed at the Future Games with his plus frame and future power potential from the left side of the plate.

Top Tier's pitching staff will be led by the unique switch-handed pitching of Joe Santoro (Carmel) who touches 86 mph from both sides. Left-hander Cole Miller (York) touches the mid 80’s with a sweeping slider he commands for strikes, and righty Hank Christie (Oak Park-River Forest) had two scoreless outings at the Future Games, touching 86 mph with his fastball.

Top Tier Schedule

Saturday August 30th at University of Illinois-Chicago
9:00 AM vs. GRB Rays

11:30 AM vs. Rawlings Hitters

Sunday August 31st at Chicago State University
4:30 PM vs. Indiana Outlaws

7:00 PM vs. Southern Illinois

Top Tier Roster


 Name Position
Height  Weight
Matt Burch SS
5-9 155lbs View Profile
Joe Santoro LHP
5-11 175lbs View Profile
Cal Coughlin 3B
6-1 200lbs View Profile
Cooper Johnson C
6-0 185lbs View Profile
William McKenna C
5-9 165lbs View Profile
Jeremy Gaines OF
5-9 155lbs View Profile
Jordan Libman OF
5-11 180lbs View Profile
Jack Coney SS
6-1 165lbs View Profile
Tyler Peterson SS
5-10 160lbs View Profile
Cole Miller LHP
6-4 200lbs View Profile
Mitch Owens 3B
6-3 193lbs View Profile
Max Downs OF
5-10 165lbs View Profile
Hank Christie RHP
6-0 155lbs View Profile
Tyler Garrity LHP
6-2 190lbs View Profile
Bobby Seymour 1B
6-3 210lbs View Profile
Reese Dolan RHP
6-3 177lbs View Profile


Recent Headlines

9.13.14 Capitol City Open Slide